In Household Management by Isabel Beeton, published in 1861; she gives a sample Bill of Fare to assist in the catering of a picnic:
" A Picnic for 40 persons: A joint of cold roast beef, a joint of cold boiled beef, 2 ribs of lamb, 2 shoulders of lamb, 4 roast fowls, 2 roast ducks, 1 ham, 1 tongue, 2 veal-and-ham pies, 2 pigeon pies, 6 medium-sized lobsters, 1 piece of collared calf's head, 18 lettuces, 6 baskets of salad, 6 cucumbers. Stewed fruit well sweetened, and put into glass bottles well-corked; 3 or 4 dozen plain pastry biscuits to eat with stewed fruit, 2 dozen fruit turnovers, 4 dozen cheese cakes, 2 cold cabinet puddings in moulds, 2 blanc-manges in moulds, a few jam puffs, 1 large cold plum-pudding, a few baskets of fresh fruit, 3 dozen plain biscuits, a piece of cheese, 6 lbs. of butter, bread, cakes and cookies of all kinds and half a pound of tea -coffee not suitable for a picnic, being difficult to make".
Also included was a list of "things not to be forgot" , like wine glasses, "milk if this last named article cannot be obtained in the neighbourhood and 3 cork screws". These were essential considering that the beverage list included : "3 dozen quart bottles of ale, packed in hampers; ginger-beer, soda-water, and lemonade, of each 2 dozen bottles; 6 bottles of sherry, 6 bottles of claret, champagne a discretion, and any other light wine that may be preferred, 2 bottles of brandy. Water can usually be obtained, so it is useless to take it".
If the picnic was for a political rally, then naturally there would be speeches to sit through, or lengthy sermons if sponsored by the Church.
The picnic was an excellent time for the community to get together, since there was no distinction between classes, sex, marital status or age.
Of course picnics didn't have to be on such a large scale either, but could be shared by a couple when "sparking", or simply be an impromptu family outing.
